The Tripura government has selected 75 border villages to honor freedom fighters and warriors with memorials, announced CM Manik Saha on Maharaja Bir Bikram’s 117th birth anniversary. The move, inspired by PM Modi’s vision, highlights Tripura’s history, World War II contributions, and the king’s enduring legacy as the architect of modern Tripura.
Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Tuesday announced that the state government has selected 75 border villages to pay fitting tributes to freedom fighters and warriors who dedicated their lives to the service of the nation. The initiative, taken on the advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeks to preserve the legacy of sacrifice, patriotism, and valor in the state’s border regions.
Speaking at the central function commemorating the 117th birth anniversary of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan in Agartala, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of acknowledging those who contributed immensely to India’s nation-building journey.
“We will build memorials and statues of 75 freedom fighters and warriors in 75 border villages so that people can pay homage to these great men,” Dr. Saha said.
He lauded Prime Minister Modi as the first Prime Minister to think inclusively for all sections of society and to ensure that deserving heroes from different regions receive recognition.
Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya: Architect of Modern Tripura
Dr. Saha paid rich tributes to Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur, describing him as the architect of modern Tripura. He highlighted the king’s far-sighted contributions to education, healthcare, and infrastructure development, which laid the foundation for the state’s progress.
“Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur’s vision continues to guide us in shaping a model Tripura. Over the past seven years, our government has consistently worked for inclusive growth, peace, and progress,” he noted.
The Chief Minister reminded the gathering that Maharaja Bir Bikram constructed the Agartala Airport in 1942 to establish better air connectivity for the state. Recognizing Rabindranath Tagore’s global contributions, the king had also conferred the honorary title of Bharat Bhaskar on the Nobel laureate in 1941. A year later, just months before Tagore’s death, the king visited Santiniketan along with members of the Tripura royal family to personally bestow the honor.
Role During World War II
Historians underline Maharaja Bir Bikram’s significant role during World War II. According to writer Pannalal Roy, the king extended support to the Allied Powers by deploying a contingent of the Tripura Army to aid Britain. He also donated land for the construction of airports in Agartala, Kailashahar, and other locations, which were used as bases by the Royal Air Force.
In fact, Agartala Airport, then known as Singerbill Airport, was bombarded twice by Japanese fighter planes in 1943. The airport, built on land donated by the Tripura king, was later renamed Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport by the Union government in 2018. In January 2022, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated its new integrated terminal building, built at a cost of ₹438 crore, further acknowledging the king’s contribution.
A Visionary King Remembered
Dr. Saha emphasized that Maharaja Bir Bikram was not only a monarch but also a visionary leader who foresaw the need for modern education and healthcare systems in Tripura. Institutions such as schools, marketplaces, hospitals, and colleges established during his reign continue to serve as the backbone of the state’s infrastructure.
On Tuesday, the Chief Minister also unveiled the statue of Maharaja Bir Bikram at Bir Bikram Memorial College during its Golden Jubilee celebrations. Paying homage to the king, he reiterated that the present government is striving to realize the late monarch’s vision of a prosperous and progressive Tripura.
In his address, Dr. Saha remarked in Bengali: “Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur was a dreamer, and today’s government is fulfilling his dreams.”
Preserving Heritage and Patriotism
The government’s decision to honor 75 freedom fighters and warriors in 75 border villages is being seen as both a cultural and patriotic move. The initiative not only seeks to preserve the memory of unsung heroes but also aims to instill a sense of pride and history in local communities, especially in regions close to the international border.
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Officials indicated that the memorials and statues will become important symbols of remembrance and learning, ensuring that future generations remain connected to the sacrifices that shaped the nation.
The program concluded with floral tributes, cultural performances, and a renewed call to uphold the legacy of Tripura’s great king and India’s freedom fighters.
